Retention Holsters for Concealed Carry

[Cletus]

Is there a tendency for irrational debate over retention holsters? I thought I was asking a good question because it is something I hadn't thought of for concealed carry. Hope I didn't open a can of worms!

If you need one, get one. If not, it seems like something that could break at the wrong time.

[Pecos]

This is my first year carrying daily so I'm learning things here about retention holsters. Sometimes when I'm thinking I'm doing the right think It may cause problems in other more important areas. Like what Mr. Cotton said.
After reading this post I'm now assured that I have the right holster for me with the one I described. No levers or buttons you just draw. Yet the gun is snug in the holster!
I love this forum!!!!

[C-dub]

I have used the Blackhawk Serpa for many years now. I practice with it and compete in IDPA with it. I chose it because I was more worried about it getting knocked out more than someone else taking it out. A holster, like the gun, is a personal choice.

[Pecos]

I have used the Blackhawk Serpa for many years now. I practice with it and compete in IDPA with it. I chose it because I was more worried about it getting knocked out more than someone else taking it out. A holster, like the gun, is a personal choice.

That's why I love my holster-It work for me!! But Im always open to ideas.
Everybody is different!

[Excaliber]

In the two agencies I worked in as an LEO for 21 years, we engaged in hand to hand fights much more often than gunfights in those pre-taser days. I wasn't worried about someone sneaking up and snatching my pistol. If I allowed that, shame on me.

However, having the gun fall out of a non retention holster or having it take away during groundfighting with one or more individuals was a very real risk. I always carried a Level II or III retention holster for that reason.

In the civilian world, those risks are much smaller and I rarely carry a holster with anything other than simple friction retention. The exception is if I'm going to be doing some activity that generates significant energy that could dislodge the gun (think horseback riding).

[Pecos]

In the two agencies I worked in as an LEO for 21 years, we engaged in hand to hand fights much more often than gunfights in those pre-taser days. I wasn't worried about someone sneaking up and snatching my pistol. If I allowed that, shame on me.

However, having the gun fall out of a non retention holster or having it take away during groundfighting with one or more individuals was a very real risk. I always carried a Level II or III retention holster for that reason.

In the civilian world, those risks are much smaller and I rarely carry a holster with anything other than simple friction retention. The exception is if I'm going to be doing some activity that generates significant energy that could dislodge the gun (think horseback riding).

Thanks for sharing this Excaliber. That's what I have - a friction retention holster.

[mewalke]

Thanks for all the great replies, definitely some food for thought. Before reading this article I had felt that my MTAC with the tension screws was enough retention for concealed carry, especially when carrying under a tucked shirt. What I hadn't considered were some of the scenarios in the article like sitting down in an armchair or getting in or out of the car. I haven't had any issues yet with those scenarios, but I can see how I might have a problem with the right conditions. I am thinking I may at least want to revisit the level of tension on the screws on my holster.

[carlson1]

I vote no retention holster for me. I am in line with Mr. Cotton I do not see any reason for a retention holster for concealed carry if you have a GOOD QUALITY holster.

I have never understood why someone would buy a $500.00 for a good quality pistol and then turn around and buy a $10.00 Uncle Mikes holster.

[AdioSS]

Heh, I guess I could share a funny story. I was at my Dad's girlfriend's house a while back moving furniture or something for her. I noticed she had an inversion table. Well, after moving some heavy stuff I figured it might make my back feel better. I didn't think about how loose the retention on my OWB Yaqui holster actually was, but I hadn't been upside down like that while carrying yet. I got reminded of it while nearly completely inverted... My Beretta came loose & slid up my tshirt where it ended up by my shoulder. I was a bit embarrassed...

[BigBangSmallBucks]

I always thought I needed a holster with a retention strap as a matter of fact they were the ONLY kind of holsters I would buy until I came across a great leather holster that was molded to fit my gun. It stays in place, is easy to draw from and I'm able to re holster quickly with one hand. I actually prefer this kind of holster now and would never go back.

[C-dub]

I vote no retention holster for me. I am in line with Mr. Cotton I do not see any reason for a retention holster for concealed carry if you have a GOOD QUALITY holster.

I have never understood why someone would buy a $500.00 for a good quality pistol and then turn around and buy a $10.00 Uncle Mikes holster.

I have never understood why someone will pay $100+ for a beautiful holster and then cover it up with a shirt or jacket.

That same curiosity also extends to some of the beautiful handguns some people carry.

[Gunner4640]

I use an open top leather holster that my gun fits in very tight. I use a 1.75 inch belt when tightened it snugs the gun even tighter. Getting in and out of the car does not bother it the gun stays in position at all times and I do not do acrobatics ie... no hand stands for me because I am too old